I don't think the song is sarcastic so much as self-deprecating. It's about being so singlemindedly in love that your friends can't stand you because you're just grinning like an idiot, babbling about how great she is or whatever. I love all the ways they vary the song and keep it fresh despite the fact that it's just banging on that one riff, one chord even, all the way through.
Thank you so much for giving this a listen and your consideration...XTC is in the top three of my favorite bands. XTC, specifically Andy Partridge, has been so prolific in his brilliant songwriting that it bears being explored. You will never hear the same hint of music twice (unless deliberately done) in Partridge's music. Sheer and unadulterated lyrical and musical genius... Listen to more!
Yes his generation grew up on good melodies and harmonies. And this I think is just meant to be a humble unpretentious declaration of love and joy. I love the imagery of car headlights at night making trails of light like giant guitar strings.
Is this a reference to the hormone-induced mania we feel when we fall in love, where we only see the good in things? There is a similar theme in Lily Allen's "LND". That being said, considering the ridiculous World we live in, maybe this isn't a bad approach if you can manage it ...
XTC is one of those bands that constantly changed their sound and each album got better as a result.From Drums and Wires through the last album Apple Venus these guys busted ass to play incredible music.
The whole point of the song was that Andy came up with this riff, which he claimed was "the only riff that Keith Richards hadn't used yet". Or was it Pete Townsend? Anyway, he made it into a song, and what's great about it isn't the repetition, but the way it builds throughout the song by adding more instruments as it goes. Of course, the last album they did isn't perfect, sadly. There's some great music on it, however, such as "I'm the Man Who Murdered Love" and "The Wheel and the Maypole".
I don't think the song is sarcastic so much as self-deprecating. It's about being so singlemindedly in love that your friends can't stand you because you're just grinning like an idiot, babbling about how great she is or whatever. I love all the ways they vary the song and keep it fresh despite the fact that it's just banging on that one riff, one chord even, all the way through.
Thank you so much for giving this a listen and your consideration...XTC is in the top three of my favorite bands. XTC, specifically Andy Partridge, has been so prolific in his brilliant songwriting that it bears being explored. You will never hear the same hint of music twice (unless deliberately done) in Partridge's music. Sheer and unadulterated lyrical and musical genius... Listen to more!
This song is genius.
A whole song built on one simple guitar riff..
Yes his generation grew up on good melodies and harmonies. And this I think is just meant to be a humble unpretentious declaration of love and joy. I love the imagery of car headlights at night making trails of light like giant guitar strings.
Is this a reference to the hormone-induced mania we feel when we fall in love, where we only see the good in things? There is a similar theme in Lily Allen's "LND". That being said, considering the ridiculous World we live in, maybe this isn't a bad approach if you can manage it ...
Brilliantly simple song!
One of my favourite positive tracks. It's not sarcastic, it's the way someone feels when they're head-over-heels in love.
I like the way your brain works Brad. Your reactions are fun to watch! Thanks!
He did the triple negative on purpose; Andy Partridge is an absolute genius.
You should review their songs 'The Mayor of Simpleton ' and 'The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead '
XTC IS THE TRUTH!!!!
XTC is one of those bands that constantly changed their sound and each album got better as a result.From Drums and Wires through the last album Apple Venus these guys busted ass to play incredible music.
You were spot on it when you said the groove never changes.
Not my favorite XTC song.
Stupid is.....as stupid does B. ☘️🚬
The whole point of the song was that Andy came up with this riff, which he claimed was "the only riff that Keith Richards hadn't used yet". Or was it Pete Townsend? Anyway, he made it into a song, and what's great about it isn't the repetition, but the way it builds throughout the song by adding more instruments as it goes.
Of course, the last album they did isn't perfect, sadly. There's some great music on it, however, such as "I'm the Man Who Murdered Love" and "The Wheel and the Maypole".
One chord is enough for geniuses.